Rainbow flag parade will be pride of celebrations
Exeter will host the largest rainbow flag parade the city has ever seen as part of the biggest lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) celebration in the South West.
A 50-metre-long rainbow flag will be part of the Exeter Pride parade down Exeter High Street to Exeter Phoenix on Saturday 23 March.
The Lord Mayor of Exeter, Cllr Rob Newby, will start the parade, which will gather at 12 noon and then leave the St Sidwell Centre at 1pm.
The parade will be lead by two fire engines provided by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters will also be marching in the parade, as will officers from Devon and Cornwall Police, students from the University of Exeter, unions and LGBT groups from across the South West.
Morris dancers and other musical entertainment will be in the parade.
Representatives from community groups, as well as individuals, will also be taking part in the parade. A road closure will be in operation for the duration of the parade from just before 1pm to 2pm.
All the events and activities throughout the afternoon and evening at Exeter Phoenix (from 2pm) are free of charge and family-friendly. There will be many information stalls and a range of workshops.
There will be drumming, same-sex ballroom dancing, Zumba, legal, trans and hate crime workshops, vocal harmony singing, face painting, knitting, penalty shoot out competition, pole dancing, a youth mock-tail bar and a ceilidh.
This year's panel discussion will include various topics including equal marriage and whether it is appropriate to have a drag queen beauty contest at a pride event.
There will be DJs playing and live bands throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
Evening events begin at 6pm, with acoustic singing in a marquee until late.
In addition, from 7pm to 11.45pm, there will be live music with bands, singers, musicians and tribute acts performing, free of charge, in the auditorium at Exeter Phoenix. From midnight to 2am there will be a club night (admission by pride wristband only) with "Magic Hatstand".
The evening before, on 22 March, three events will take place at venues in the city including a Mardi Gras evening at The Old Firehouse, Pre-Pride Bop at the City Gate Hotel and a disco evening at The Vaults in Gandy Street.
Also on Friday 22 March and on Thursday 21 March, there will be events and activities held at the University of Exeter.
The Pride event will conclude with a candlelit vigil on the Sunday evening.
Alan Quick, chairman, Exeter Pride committee, said: “This will be Exeter’s biggest pride event and we expect to attract hundreds of people to the city from around the South West and beyond.
"Last year more than 1,500 people took part in the parade down Exeter High Street and more than 2,000 people attended events held at Exeter Phoenix.
“Exeter Pride is a celebration of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities. It is about us having pride in our contributions to a vibrant and diverse city and county, and the city and county having pride in us."
He added: “Exeter Pride is a volunteer led independent project run by a dedicated committee made up of trustees and volunteers.
“The event is totally dependent on grants, donations, fundraising and sponsorship and the committee would like to thank all those who are contributing to make the event possible, including not only those who have made financial contributions but also the volunteers who will be fulfilling a range of roles.
"It's going to be a terrific pride and we hope everybody comes along, not just members of the LGBT community.”
There is growing support for Exeter Pride.
Shaun Sawyer, Devon and Cornwall Police chief constable, said: "Devon and Cornwall Police are proud to support Exeter Pride as part of our commitment to service the LGB and T communities across Devon and Cornwall.
"We would also like to congratulate Exeter Pride on establishing this as a successful annual event."
Geoff Pringle, director of campus services and chair of University of Exeter LGBT equality group, said: “Once again, the University is pleased and extremely proud to be a continued supporter of Exeter Pride and the growing success the event continues to achieve.
"We believe that the diversity of our community is an essential part of our values and enriches employment, research, studying and learning experiences.
"The University is keen to support our LGBT community and create a place of work and study where people can be themselves."
For further information, visit the website: www.exeterpride.co.uk. Also, follow on twitter: @exeterpride or Facebook: exeterpride.
